Q. What is ZeoCool?
A. ZeoCool is a revolutionary step in the design of Temperature Controlled Packaging from SCA Cool Logistics. ZeoCool has the ability to react to the ambient temperature heating and cooling the internal payload area to maintain the internal temperature at +2°C to +8°C without the use of an internal or external power source.
Q. ZeoCool can maintain the product load space at +2°C to +8°C. What is the ambient temperature range within which it can do so?
A. ZeoCool can function in temperatures of up to +50ºC to -25ºC for short periods of time and it can function between +30ºC and -10ºC for up to 120 hours. For a definitive answer to the duration of the ZeoCool at any specific ambient temperature profile please contact SCA Cool Logistics on +44 1525 243 770 or email enquiries@zeocool.co.uk
Q. What determines the duration of ZeoCool effectiveness?
A. The duration ZeoCool will work for is related to the amount of heat / cold energy the unit is exposed to. The cooling energy is related to the volume of water within the system and the heating energy is related to the volume of iron contained within the heater. If the system experiences high temperatures for long periods of time then more water is evaporated in a short period of time – reducing the duration of the system. If cold temperatures are experienced for long periods of time, then the rate the iron oxidizes is quicker, and therefore the duration is reduced.
Q. Do I need to condition ZeoCool before use?
A. Unlike standard Temperature Controlled Packaging you do not need to condition the coolant in fridges or freezers before use. We recommend you hold ZeoCool before use at room temperature for a minimum of four hours to ensure optimum performance.
Q. Are there different pack outs for summer and winter?
A. No. ZeoCool has been developed to cope with summer and winter temperatures. There are no additional components you need to add to ZeoCool to cope with seasonal variances.
Q. Can I ship across hemispheres with ZeoCool?
A. Yes ZeoCool is ideal for cross hemisphere shipments where it may be winter in the country of origin yet summer in the country of destination.
Q. How do you start ZeoCool?
Please download actuation instructions. - Click here.
Q. Is it easy to press the actuator?
A. Yes. It requires a little pressure to push the actuator button down. To help with this and ensure consistency of actuation for the user we have developed a ‘starter disc’ that fits onto the actuator.
Q. How quickly will ZeoCool start to work?
A. ZeoCool starts to work immediately. It will take approximately 30 minutes for the product load space to reach +8ºC ready for your product to be loaded.
Q. What will happen if I start ZeoCool in a cold room?
A. ZeoCool will start to work but the internal thermostat will be closed, as the payload space will be within +2°C to +8°C range. Once ZeoCool is removed from the cold room the thermostat will open and the cooling process will start. This could cause a rise in temperature for up to ten minutes within the product load space, reaching temperatures above 8ºC as the system starts to work. Once the system has started the cooling process this effect ceases.
Q. What will happen if I start ZeoCool at temperatures above +25ºC?
A. ZeoCool will start working immediately but it will take longer for the product load space to reach below +8ºC. ZeoCool will have used more cooling energy during the starting process and this will affect the duration of the system.
Q. How do I know ZeoCool is working?
A. When you press the actuator you will hear a noise in the form of a ‘bang’ as the actuator pierces the bag of absorbent material. The surface of the absorbent bag will get warm as the bag absorbs water. The internal surfaces of the payload area will start to cool down.
Q. The ZeoCool absorbent bag gets hot when it absorbs water, will this be an issue when shipping?
A. No. The temperature of the surface of the absorbent bag is typically no more than +5ºC above the ambient temperature. The heat of the bag is dissipated by the design of the expanded polystyrene (EPS) and cardboard outer box. This ensures the surface of the box is no warmer than the ambient temperature.
Q. The heater requires air to function, so will ZeoCool work if packed onto a pallet that is wrapped?
A. Yes. The system has been designed to allow sufficient airflow to the heater thermostat even if it has been packed onto a pallet, regardless of position. The outer box has rows of holes close to the bottom edge and these must not be taped over, as this will affect the performance of the heater.
Q. If the heater reacts to the ambient temperature how do you ensure it does not work until it is ready to ship?
The heater thermostat will not function until the plastic retaining clip has been removed. This prevents the heater thermostat opening during transit to the customer. To make the heater work you need to tear open the heater chimney, which allows airflow through the heater. The heater will not work unless the clip has been removed and the chimney opened.
Q. Does ZeoCool have to remain upright?
A. Unlike standard Temperature Controlled Packaging that requires a specific orientation of coolant to function correctly, ZeoCool has the same cooling effect on all sides. Therefore ZeoCool will work as effectively if you ship it on its side or upside-down.
Q. What happens if ZeoCool is stopped by customs?
A. Ask Customs to store ZeoCool in a cold room at +5ºC as it will hibernate when placed into a cold room during shipping. The thermostat settings have been developed to use as little energy as possible.
Q. Can Customs x ray the package and see what is inside?
A. Due to the laminated foil used in the manufacture of ZeoCool (as with many Temperature Controlled Packaging solutions) x rays will not penetrate the product load space.
Q. Does the different air pressure in an aircraft affect the performance of ZeoCool?
A. No. The performance of ZeoCool is related to the internal pressure that is set during the manufacture. Any subsequent change in air pressure does not affect the performance of ZeoCool.
Q. Is ZeoCool safe to ship by air?
A. Yes. ZeoCool has no hazardous components. There are no external power sources and the temperature created by the heater is insufficient to be a fire hazard. ZeoCool is ideal for all modes of transport – Air, Sea and Road.
Q. How do you dispose of ZeoCool?
A. All components of ZeoCool can either be recycled. ZeoCool also complies with BS EN 13431:2004 - ‘Packaging- requirements for packaging recoverable in the form of energy recovery.’ This allows you to recycle the ZeoCool by incineration. Instructions on how to prepare ZeoCool for recycling are available.
Q. What quality control procedures do you have to ensure each ZeoCool will work?
A. During the development of ZeoCool we have reviewed the manufacturing process and identified each step that is Critical to Quality (CTQ). For each CTQ we have developed a process or test to assure that ZeoCool has been made to the defined tolerances.
